WHAT S NEW TO LOVE IN VIRGINIA 2018

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1 WHAT S NEW TO LOVE IN VIRGINIA 2018

2 VIRGINIA TOURISM CORPORATION Public Relations and Communications Virginia Tourism Executive Team Rita McClenny President & CEO Diane Bechamps Vice President of Marketing Lou Hammond Group Rachel McAllister Vice President Public Relations and Communications Caroline Logan Director of Communications Danielle Emerson Deputy Director of Communications Andrew Cothern Communications Manager Jenna Eckel Communications Coordinator Christi Braginton International Media Relations Manager About Virginia Tourism Corporation The Virginia Tourism Authority promotes and develops the tourism and motion picture industries to stimulate Virginia s economy and enhance the quality of life of all Virginians. Image Requests Virginia Tourism Corporation maintains a library of photographs and video covering the beauty and activities across the Commonwealth. Please contact Andrew Cothern at ACothern@virginia.org and Jenna Eckel at JEckel@virginia.org for images. Virginia.org Pressroom.Virginia.org

3 VIRGINIA IS FOR LOVERS of Life A vacation in Virginia is about doing the things you love with the people you love most. This year, there s a whole lot more to love in the Commonwealth. In 2018, Virginia will welcome a multitude of new wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideries, helping to solidify our reputation as a bona fide destination for craft beverages. There will also be an influx of new restaurants, cooking up fresh flavors and dishes that represent the bounty of the Commonwealth s diverse farm-to-table offerings. New outdoor recreation attractions and updates to parks across the state will be sure to delight nature enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies alike. And keeping true to our roots as the most historically rich destination in the country, there are plenty of new stories and legends to uncover here in the Birthplace of the Nation. Whether you re soaking up the sun on one of our warm sandy beaches, sipping wine overlooking mountainous vistas, or enjoying our vibrant arts and culture, we can t wait for you to discover for yourself why Virginia is for Lovers. On the following pages, Virginia Tourism Corporation is pleased to showcase the many new things Virginia will enjoy in Cheers! Caroline Logan Director of Communications 1 Virginia is for Lovers of Life 2

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5 #VAOUTDOORS Approachable, accessible, unforgettablethat s Virginia outdoors in a nutshell. Whether you are a hard-core adrenaline junkie or someone just getting their feet wet, historic moments and memories await. New trails, parks, outdoor lodging, and more add to Virginia s diverse mix of outdoor recreation opportunities in Spearhead Trails recently opened new ATV trails in Southwest Virginia. The Mountain View ATV Trail has trailhead locations in Coeburn and St. Paul. The Ridgeview Trail recently opened in Haysi, connecting to Coal Canyon in Grundy, which is over 200 miles. Hiking and mountain biking are also permitted on these multi-use trails. Breaks Interstate Park in Dickenson County opened exciting new zip line tours, spanning 2,200 feet on three lines over the canyon rim in late Open to mountain bikers, hikers, and trail runners in Norton, Flag Rock Area Trails, a multi-use trail system with more than eight miles, will grow to more than 30 miles in Norton also recently launched the Woodbooger GeoTrail. The Powell River Trail connecting Appalachia and Big Stone Gap opened in late Hike or pedal through Bee Rock Tunnel, known locally as the world s shortest railroad tunnel, at 47 feet and seven inches. Featuring two bridge river crossings, the trail meanders beside the beautiful Powell River for more than two miles. Mendota Trail, a project that s been more than a decade in the making, opened the first mile with more coming in An old rail corridor has long been the site of the planned Mendota Trail, a rails-to-trails conversion inspired, in part, by the nearby Virginia Creeper Trail. The Mendota Trail will run from Mendota to Bristol. Floyd County launched Cycle Floyd in late 2017, the county s first outdoor recreation initiative. Look for bike racks, repair stations, cycling guides, and major cycling events in New outfitters opened in 2017 including James River Adventures in Lynchburg and Chesapeake Bay Paddling Company, a full service facility in Mathews County, offering kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals, lessons, guided tours, and retreats. Go Ape! Zip Line & Treetop Adventure opened the a woodland obstacle and zip line course in May It s the largest zip line course to date in Springfield, including a junior course for kids. The course also includes Tarzan swings, giant rope nets, general monkey business, and more fun for the whole family. On a peninsula at the confluence of Aquia Creek and the Potomac River, Widewater State Park is slated to open in Stafford in late Widewater will provide public access to both bodies of water. Once complete, the park will highlight the area s natural, historic, and recreational resources. In October 2017, Franklin County opened Black Water Junction Wake Park, a cable park that offers wakeboarding and wakeskating for riders of all skill levels, just off Smith Mountain Lake in Union Hall. The Waynesboro Water Trail, the newest edition to the Waynesboro s city park system, has completed boat ramps at Ridgeview and Basic parks that allow for easy access to the South River, where paddlers can expect to encounter Class I and Class II rapids. Waynesboro will also expand the South River Greenway Trail, which currently has about one mile of paved pathway. Greenwood Park, a brand new 88- acre, tournament-quality athletic complex in Henrico County, will feature an eight-court premium sand volleyball facility. Opening in March 2018, the man-made volleyball courts will be sized and spaced based on NCAA standards. In addition, Greenwood Park will feature four lighted multi-purpose organic infill synthetic athletic fields, a pavilion, a children s play area, and a one-mile nature walk. 19 Outdoor 20

6 VIRGINIA IS FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS More for Outdoor Lovers New bike trails and disc golf recently opened at Moneta Park. Future plans for Moneta Park include a trail system for walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, and others, as funding permits. Rock climbers will love the new climbing area in Abingdon, Hidden Valley, a sandstone cliff band ranging to about 70 feet. Jamison Mill Park at Philpott Lake reopened in September 2017 after a long closure. Disc golf is growing in Virginia with a new course open in Carroll County and a new course coming to Roanoke s Explore Park in spring/summer of In Giles County, Camp Success has expanded to offer a public 18-hole disc golf course along the New River, in addition to a public boat landing for the New River Water Trail and primitive campsites. Appalachian Backroads in Wise County launched new motorcycle touring routes to be completed in Zavazone Trampoline and Indoor Adventure Park is now open in Sterling. Lansdowne Resort and Spa now has bike rentals for guests to use on property or on the W&OD Rail Trail. Natural Bridge State Park in Lexington is expanding their programming to include archery in In downtown Roanoke, Zagster Bike Share program launched in September 2017, with plans to expand in Stone Bridge Equestrian Center located in Natural Bridge began trail rides in Mary Ingles Trail in Giles has new life as the Army Corps and volunteer trail maintenance groups are expanding the 7.8 mile (one way) trail from Glen Lyn to the West Virginia state line. The trail follows the river and is an easy grade for biking, walking, and family outings. Twin Depot Scenic Trail was recently designated in Giles County and follows Route 61 along Wolf Creek connecting two identical Norfolk Southern Train Depots. 21 Outdoor 22

7 VIRGINIA IS FOR OUTDOOR LOVERS New Outdoor Lodging In Giles County, Walker Creek Cabins expanded lodging options by opening their Red Pine Cottage. In May 2018, they will also open Walker Creek Barn for weddings and events. Kairos Wilderness Resort opened in July 2017 and since began renting UTV s onsite (2018 Polaris models). Amenities include new yurts, primitive campsites, RV sites, and wilderness sites. Kairos offers 40+ miles of trails and campsite turndown service. Sandy River Retreat opened new luxury glamping teepees in Farmville. Nelson County s Devils Backbone Brewing Company will open an RV and rustic campground in Roseland, May Visit virginia.org/outdoors for more information. 23 Outdoor 24